Microtransactions are a necessary evil in gaming today. Some of them are nice little optional cosmetic items, while others are needed to actually continue playing the game. Does Starfield have any microtransactions? We have the answer for you, right here.
Starfield is two weeks away for some, September 1 is when the Premium Edition will allow early access. Everyone else will gain access on September 6. So, with that in mind, let us have a look at microtransactions and Starfield.
Starfield Microtransactions
Microtransactions, love them or hate them, are going to be around forever it seems. Back in the day, when digital purchases on consoles were relatively new; Bethesda faced some angry fan responses to a certain 'horse armor' DLC. These days, DLC and microtransactions, are a mainstay within some of the most popular games.
Starfield will feature DLC content, Bethesda has already announced the first story DLC for the game. When it comes to microtransactions, according to the Starfield ESRB page, there will indeed be in-game purchases.
Now, that does not guarantee the inclusion of microtransactions, DLC falls into this category as well. However, there is an 'Old Mars Skin Pack' included as a bonus with the base game. This could indicate microtransactions are a part of Starfield, it could also just be a one-off DLC pack.
Other games have also added microtransactions after launch, an especially sneaky move that can avoid negative aspects during the review period. We don't expect Starfield to have any at launch, but it is still a possibility.
Fallout 76
Bethesda is no stranger to microtransactions or DLC. Especially in their most recent game - Fallout 76. The difference with Starfield is that the game is not an online experience like its younger sibling.
Fallout 76 contains microtransactions in the form of cosmetics, game boosters, and more. Not uncommon for an online title, but also not unheard of in single-player titles either.
While Starfield may indeed have cosmetic DLC similar to the 'Old Mars Skin Pack', we can't see it having any game boosters, or monthly subscriptions like Fallout 76 has.
Bethesda's Creation Club
The one almost guaranteed addition of microtransactions will be when Bethesda add the Creation Club to Starfield. This is where you can purchase officially licensed mods for the game. Added to both Skyrim and Fallout 4 after launch, Creation Club brought microtransactions to both those titles.
Some fans do not like the monetary system that has been used by Bethesda for mods. Compared to more predatory microtransactions that exist, you get what you pay for here. No loot boxes or random rolls for items are present in the Creation Club suite, but there are those that still dislike the idea of charging for mods.
All said, we know Starfield will definitely have microtransactions once the Creation Club is added. Outside of the 'Old Mars Skin Pack' we don't believe that there will be full-blown microtransactions present in the game.
While you are here, why not check out some of our other articles and guides like Starfield - Food and Drink, to learn the culinary arts, or get ready for launch with our Starfield - Beginner's Guide?
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